When parents are unable to provide their child the care he needs and deserves, family members often step in to fill in the gaps. Kinship, or relation adoptions, offer these family members a way to keep the child in the family, give him a sense of belonging and ensure that he is provided for.
State Laws
If you are looking to undergo a kinship adoption, you must first find out the laws of your specific state. State laws and regulations can vary widely. Even the definition of who is considered kin differs depending on which state you live in. Generally speaking, kinship adoptions are carried out by grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Parental Rights
Like any adoption, parental rights must be completely terminated before a kinship adoption can take place. Termination can be voluntary, or it can be court-ordered. In many states, there are some circumstances--such as abandonment--where courts will automatically begin the process of terminating parental rights. However, in most circumstances, judges dislike the idea of permanently separating children from their parents, and require a great deal of evidence before they will terminate a parent's rights.
Requirements
If the child you are planning to adopt is in the custody of the state, you will have to become a licensed foster parent before you can proceed with an adoption, according to Adoption for Everyone. This generally includes parenting classes and a participation in a home study. Home studies are conducted by social workers, and serve two purposes. They prepare adoptive parents for the adoption process, and evaluate them to ensure they are eligible to pursue adoption under state law. If you are currently the child's caretaker, the adoption process may be more streamlined, and the home study may be shortened or eliminated altogether.
Counseling
It would be wise for you to consider undergoing a form of family counseling before your adoption is finalized. Although kinship adoptions allow children to preserve some form of stability and maintain a relationship with family members, they present some unique challenges. If the child's biological parents are still in his life, there can be confusion as to who is really the parent, and there is a potential for strained and possibly even acrimonious family relations.
Finalization
Once your adoption has been finalized, the adopted child will be issued new birth certificates, and the adoption records will be sealed according to state regulations, according to Adoption.com. The child will be legally yours. You will be responsible for her provision and care, and you will have the right to make major decisions about his upbringing.
